Orbit CEO awarded OBE in New Year Honours

Thursday, 31 December 2015

Paul Tennant, Chief Executive of Orbit has been recognised in the 2016 New Year Honours list for his services to housing. Having started his career as a Housing Trainee in 1982, Paul has dedicated his career to housing and since 2003 has held the position of CEO at Orbit.

Paul’s leadership within the sector has seen him take on many senior strategic roles including Presidency of the Chartered Institute of Housing in 2013-14.

Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) chief executive, Terrie Alafat, said: “Congratulations to Paul on this well-deserved honour. As CIH President he was a consistent champion of the importance of professional standards in housing. He has always been a big supporter of our work to help people who work in housing to constantly improve their skills, so they can provide homes for people who need them and the best possible service to their customers. His own career journey is evidence of that commitment.”

At Orbit, Paul has led the 39,000 home multi-regional housing association through significant periods of growth, including a build programme that will see 12,000 new homes built by 2020. Orbit is delighted that Paul’s commitment to excellence, new homes, people and communities is recognised this year.

Baroness Tessa Blackstone, chair of Orbit Group, said: “We were delighted to hear this news. Paul has provided leadership within the sector which has helped develop productive relationships with government, whilst never losing sight of Orbit’s social purpose and our commitment to our tenants and the communities where we work.”

“As CEO, Paul maintains a focus on our mission of building communities. His commitment to excellence, new homes, people and communities is reflected throughout the organisation.”

David Orr, chief executive of the National Housing Federation, said: “Paul has worked tirelessly throughout his career not just for his own organisation but for housing generally. He brought real enthusiasm, commitment and expertise to the National Housing Federation as a board member and chair of our Audit and Risk Management Committee. He has made an enormous contribution and it is entirely appropriate that his exceptional work has been recognised in this way.”